Meningococcal septicaemia reported in an immunocompetent adult: A Case Report

• Published in: Sri Lankan journal of infectious diseases Vol. 10; no. 2; pp. 150 - 154
• Main Authors: Puthra, S., Selladurai, P., Chandrasiri, N. S., Sugathapala, A. G. H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sri Lankan Society for Microbiology 29.10.2020
• Subjects: neisseria meningitidis, meningitis, septicaemia, purpura
• ISSN: 2012-8169; 2012-8169
• DOI: 10.4038/sljid.v10i2.8280

Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the Gram negative diplococcus, Neisseria meningitidis. It is characterized by nonspecific symptoms of fever and constitutional symptoms followed by septic shock   and meningitis.  The characteristic rash is usually not seen in the early course of the illness which may lead to delayed diagnosis, late initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy,  delayed isolation, and chemoprophylaxis of close contacts. Here, we report a case of meningococcal septicaemia in a young male who presented with fever and features of meningitis and subsequently developed the characteristic rash. The importance of early identification of the characteristic skin lesions of meningococcaemia and timely institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy to prevent complications of meningococcal septicaemia are emphasized.